General Practice Assistant (GPA) - Havering Liberty PCN

JOB SUMMARY The post holder will be trained to support the streamlining of clinics by performing more routine administration and clinical tasks to provide the GP with greater capacity to focus on the patient. The role of the General Practice Assistant (GPA) within Havering Liberty PCN will be developed with the support of a GP Mentor and the local Training Hub Provider to complete an accredited training programme. If the post holder is already an accredited GPA this will be discussed and clarified, as well as establishing primary care experience during the interview process. Training and support The GPA position provides substantial opportunities for both educational advancement and professional growth. This role will be tailored according to the specific needs of the PCN, with all training conducted during employment. The GPA will be assigned a GP mentor within the PCN. If not yet accredited, the post holder will complete a 6 to 9-month self-directed learning programme. The role includes protected learning time, comprising half a day for independent study and half a day for mentor supervision. Key Responsibilities The GP Assistant will be trained in to: Sort and prioritise clinical post, directing some to other healthcare professionals. Extract information from clinical letters for coding and medical records. Handle routine clinical post directly (e.g. DNA letters, 2WW). Arrange appointments, referrals, and follow-ups. Prepare patients for attendance at the GP appointment, taking brief histories and basic readings. Perform urine tests, take blood pressure, ECGs, and phlebotomy. Complete basic forms for the GPs approval and signature. Explain treatment procedures and arrange follow-ups. Assist the GP in liaising with outside agencies. Support the GP with immunisations and wound care. Carry out tasks set by the PCN Leadership Team and the wider PCN multi-disciplinary team to meet the Network Contract DES requirements. To support the PCN with wider stakeholder engagement by representation at local resident events Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Collaborative working relationships Works within the primary care team, contributing to leadership of service evaluation and research to promote quality improvement activity. Collaborates with multi-disciplinary PCN team. Use healthcare technologies to optimise service delivery, patients access, and continuity of care. Management Demonstrates understanding of the implications of national priorities for the team and/or service. Uses resources effectively to manage patient treatment in line with local guidance and makes recommendations for changes where improvements can be made. Follows professional and organisational policies Education, learning and development It is the responsibility of the employee to comply with all organisational and statutory requirements (eg. health and safety, infection control, equality and diversity, confidentiality, safeguarding adults and children, information governance). Engages in annual appraisal, developing objectives to inform a Personal Development Plan, which may include 360-degree appraisal and use of patient feedback. Participate in teaching and training of medical, nursing, and all other practice staff. Supports the practice staff and responds to requests for advice and assistance. Complete all mandatory and statutory training required by the role. Take responsibility for personal development, learning and performance and maintain education through attendance on any courses and/or study days necessary to ensure that professional development requirements are met. Undertaking additional training where necessary to provide enhanced services and participate in training programmes implemented by the PCN/practices as part of this employment. Understands and demonstrates the characteristics of a role model to members in the team and/or service. Demonstrates an understanding of current educational policies relevant to working areas of practice and keeps up to date with relevant clinical practice. Quality Under supervision and support of GPs in the practice, the post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the practices, and will: Participating in clinical governance activity and contribute to the improvement in quality of health outcomes through audit, risk management and Quality Improvement Alerts other team members to concerns about risk, quality, and safety Participates in investigation of incidents and events as required Identifies, applies, and disseminates research findings relating to own practice Collects data for audit purposes and uses clinical audit to monitor quality in the service Contributes to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance Works effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs Effectively manages own time, workload, and resources Meets timescales/deadlines for audits and written returns to ensure that the Practice meets quality standards and receives the designated funding. Confidentiality In the performance of the duties outlined in this Job Description, the post-holder will have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the Company as a business organisation. All information is to be regarded as strictly confidential. Maintains confidentiality of any information concerning patients in accordance with current policy on information governance. Demonstrates respect for privacy and confidentiality in all interactions with patients and the public. Data Protection This post has a requirement for confidentiality. If you are required to obtain, process and/or use information held electronically you should do 'it in a fair and lawful way. You should hold data only for the specific registered purpose and not use or disclose it in any way incompatible with such a purpose. Data must only be disclosed to authorised people or organisations as instructed. Breaches of confidence in relation to data will result in disciplinary action which may involve dismissal. You must not at any time use the personal data held by the organisation for any purpose other than practice business and this must not be disclosed to a third party. If you are in any doubt regarding your responsibilities under the Data Protection Act 2018 you must contact your line manager or appropriate senior lead at the time. Safeguarding adults and children The postholder has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. When adults or children and/or their carers use primary care services, it is essential that all adult and child protection concerns are both recognised and acted on appropriately. The postholder has a responsibility to ensure they are familiar with and follow local policies in relation to safeguarding vulnerable adults and that they follow the local child protection procedures and any supplementary guidance. The postholder has a responsibility to support appropriate investigations either internally or externally. To ensure the postholder is equipped to carry out their duties effectively, they must also attend vulnerable adult and child protection training and updates at the competency level appropriate to the work they do and in accordance with the local vulnerable adult and child protection training guidance. Health & Safety Assists in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the PCN Health & Safety Policy, to include: Using personal security systems within the workplace according to practice guidelines Adhere to the guidance within the Lone Workers policy, when making home visits Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards Reporting potential risks identified Complies with policies for infection control and hand hygiene to reduce the spread of healthcare-associated infections. For clinical staff with direct patient contact, this will include compliance with clinical procedures and protocols, including uniform and dress code, the use of personal protective equipment policy, safe procedures for using aseptic techniques, and safe disposal of sharps All staff are required to attend mandatory training in Infection Control and be compliant with all measures known to be effective in reducing healthcare-associated infections Equality and Diversity Supports the equality, diversity, and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, that includes: Acting in a way that recognises the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with practice procedures and policies, and current legislation Working Conditions The individual in this role will primarily be located at Hornchurch Healthcare, but may also be required to work at other practices affiliated with the PCN and at the main office of the PCN, situated within St Georges Health and Wellbeing Hub. Job description Job responsibilities JOB SUMMARY The post holder will be trained to support the streamlining of clinics by performing more routine administration and clinical tasks to provide the GP with greater capacity to focus on the patient. The role of the General Practice Assistant (GPA) within Havering Liberty PCN will be developed with the support of a GP Mentor and the local Training Hub Provider to complete an accredited training programme. If the post holder is already an accredited GPA this will be discussed and clarified, as well as establishing primary care experience during the interview process. Training and support The GPA position provides substantial opportunities for both educational advancement and professional growth. This role will be tailored according to the specific needs of the PCN, with all training conducted during employment. The GPA will be assigned a GP mentor within the PCN. If not yet accredited, the post holder will complete a 6 to 9-month self-directed learning programme. The role includes protected learning time, comprising half a day for independent study and half a day for mentor supervision. Key Responsibilities The GP Assistant will be trained in to: Sort and prioritise clinical post, directing some to other healthcare professionals. Extract information from clinical letters for coding and medical records. Handle routine clinical post directly (e.g. DNA letters, 2WW). Arrange appointments, referrals, and follow-ups. Prepare patients for attendance at the GP appointment, taking brief histories and basic readings. Perform urine tests, take blood pressure, ECGs, and phlebotomy. Complete basic forms for the GPs approval and signature. Explain treatment procedures and arrange follow-ups. Assist the GP in liaising with outside agencies. Support the GP with immunisations and wound care. Carry out tasks set by the PCN Leadership Team and the wider PCN multi-disciplinary team to meet the Network Contract DES requirements. To support the PCN with wider stakeholder engagement by representation at local resident events Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Collaborative working relationships Works within the primary care team, contributing to leadership of service evaluation and research to promote quality improvement activity. Collaborates with multi-disciplinary PCN team. Use healthcare technologies to optimise service delivery, patients access, and continuity of care. Management Demonstrates understanding of the implications of national priorities for the team and/or service. Uses resources effectively to manage patient treatment in line with local guidance and makes recommendations for changes where improvements can be made. Follows professional and organisational policies Education, learning and development It is the responsibility of the employee to comply with all organisational and statutory requirements (eg. health and safety, infection control, equality and diversity, confidentiality, safeguarding adults and children, information governance). Engages in annual appraisal, developing objectives to inform a Personal Development Plan, which may include 360-degree appraisal and use of patient feedback. Participate in teaching and training of medical, nursing, and all other practice staff. Supports the practice staff and responds to requests for advice and assistance. Complete all mandatory and statutory training required by the role. Take responsibility for personal development, learning and performance and maintain education through attendance on any courses and/or study days necessary to ensure that professional development requirements are met. Undertaking additional training where necessary to provide enhanced services and participate in training programmes implemented by the PCN/practices as part of this employment. Understands and demonstrates the characteristics of a role model to members in the team and/or service. Demonstrates an understanding of current educational policies relevant to working areas of practice and keeps up to date with relevant clinical practice. Quality Under supervision and support of GPs in the practice, the post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the practices, and will: Participating in clinical governance activity and contribute to the improvement in quality of health outcomes through audit, risk management and Quality Improvement Alerts other team members to concerns about risk, quality, and safety Participates in investigation of incidents and events as required Identifies, applies, and disseminates research findings relating to own practice Collects data for audit purposes and uses clinical audit to monitor quality in the service Contributes to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance Works effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs Effectively manages own time, workload, and resources Meets timescales/deadlines for audits and written returns to ensure that the Practice meets quality standards and receives the designated funding. Confidentiality In the performance of the duties outlined in this Job Description, the post-holder will have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the Company as a business organisation. All information is to be regarded as strictly confidential. Maintains confidentiality of any information concerning patients in accordance with current policy on information governance. Demonstrates respect for privacy and confidentiality in all interactions with patients and the public. Data Protection This post has a requirement for confidentiality. If you are required to obtain, process and/or use information held electronically you should do 'it in a fair and lawful way. You should hold data only for the specific registered purpose and not use or disclose it in any way incompatible with such a purpose. Data must only be disclosed to authorised people or organisations as instructed. Breaches of confidence in relation to data will result in disciplinary action which may involve dismissal. You must not at any time use the personal data held by the organisation for any purpose other than practice business and this must not be disclosed to a third party. If you are in any doubt regarding your responsibilities under the Data Protection Act 2018 you must contact your line manager or appropriate senior lead at the time. Safeguarding adults and children The postholder has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. When adults or children and/or their carers use primary care services, it is essential that all adult and child protection concerns are both recognised and acted on appropriately. The postholder has a responsibility to ensure they are familiar with and follow local policies in relation to safeguarding vulnerable adults and that they follow the local child protection procedures and any supplementary guidance. The postholder has a responsibility to support appropriate investigations either internally or externally. To ensure the postholder is equipped to carry out their duties effectively, they must also attend vulnerable adult and child protection training and updates at the competency level appropriate to the work they do and in accordance with the local vulnerable adult and child protection training guidance. Health & Safety Assists in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the PCN Health & Safety Policy, to include: Using personal security systems within the workplace according to practice guidelines Adhere to the guidance within the Lone Workers policy, when making home visits Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards Reporting potential risks identified Complies with policies for infection control and hand hygiene to reduce the spread of healthcare-associated infections. For clinical staff with direct patient contact, this will include compliance with clinical procedures and protocols, including uniform and dress code, the use of personal protective equipment policy, safe procedures for using aseptic techniques, and safe disposal of sharps All staff are required to attend mandatory training in Infection Control and be compliant with all measures known to be effective in reducing healthcare-associated infections Equality and Diversity Supports the equality, diversity, and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, that includes: Acting in a way that recognises the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with practice procedures and policies, and current legislation Working Conditions The individual in this role will primarily be located at Hornchurch Healthcare, but may also be required to work at other practices affiliated with the PCN and at the main office of the PCN, situated within St Georges Health and Wellbeing Hub.